2008 Native9
Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard
Pinot Noir
$55.00/bottle
Vintage
2008
Vineyard Designation
Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley
Region
Santa Barbara County
Production
700 6-pack cases
Barrel-Aging
60% new, 40% neutral French oak for 11 months on original lees
Cold-Soak
3-5 days
% Whole-Cluster Ferment
100%
Yield
1.5 tons per acre
Clones
1A, 2A, 113, 114, Swan, Benedict, Pommard
Bottling Date
October, 2009
Alcohol
14.5%
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Vintage NOTES
In 2008 we didn't irrigate for the last 50 days of the season - a considerable time not to irrigate in such poor soils - and saw a real concentration in color. By this time we were doing 100% whole-cluster fermentation. That's a pretty distinct departure from the 05, 06 and 07 vintages. I guess it's more like the 04 - more rich and concentrated. This is the best example of whole-cluster fermentation in a California Pinot that I've yet seen. It extends the palate without being stemmy. The mouthfeel is wonderful - this is an extravagant wine.
TASTING NOTES The 2008 Native9 delivers a lovely aromatic melange of blackcurrant berry, boysenberry and nutmeg, a richly-fruited, spicy palate impression, and an overall suffusion of California Bay Laurel, caraway, white pepper and saddle leather. Library books, liturgical incense, fruit preserves and rich salted nuts also dominate a finish of impressive grip.
REVIEWS
Frederick Dame, Master Sommelier:Superb deep ruby color with a rich viscosity. The nose is intense with a deep black plum, blackberry, dark cherry fruit. There is a marvelous bouquet of baking spice and a touch of anise. This is a classic Pinot Noir nose that could be used to teach the aromatics of this variety. A very silky palate, perfect ripeness and texture on the palate. Native9 really delivers on the exceptionally long finish with a richness and depth of flavor. Outstanding wine.Chuck Furuya, Master Sommelier:Native 9 is a VERY exciting, relatively undiscovered Pinot Noir project down in the Santa Maria Valley of California featuring the local vineyard knowledge & expertise of James Ontiveros & the winemaking skills of phenom Paul Wilkins. This is certainly one Pinot lovers need to check out...the wines are that good! And we suggest you do so quickly before their wines get on the wine media's radar screen. In aroma, the Native9 Pinots are thankfully not all about dijon clones, like so many of their contemporaries. The 2008 is quite a stellar, impactful wine with terrific intensity & concentration. One can only marvel at the layers that open with air and how seamless & complete it is from beginning to end. The best is yet to come as this wine ages!
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